It’s been a tough few weeks since my last post, friends. As many of you know, Claire, our best feline friend of 18 years passed away April 12. We’re heartbroken, but getting stronger each day. I can finally walk into another room without my tissues… but tears still flow when I pull up a video or look at her pictures. I suppose that will subside over time. It’s so hard.
Thank you for your outpouring of love and support. It has helped more than you know. I’ve created a tribute page to Claire here, if you would like to know more about her. I’d love to hear about your best friends too.
I took a bit of time off from blogging last week to grieve. I’ve missed y’all. But I was so unmotivated and had difficulty getting enthusiastic about anything. Rob and I took several long walks and hiked a bit. This helped me breath deep, clear my head and it lifted my mood. Getting outdoors always makes me feel better.
But then coming back home, to an empty house… Claire’s not here. She always came to the door to greet us, with her chatty words, raised tail and her glorious eyes beaming with love, up until the last few weeks of her life… up until she just didn’t have the energy to come anymore. She was an extraordinary girl. We have a new norm.
Lacking motivation but a desire to stay positive, I took a drive to the Co-Op where I spied fresh asparagus. When I realized it was grown close to my home in the Skagit Valley I snatched up several bundles and got to work. It was so fresh, tender and hydrated. I started to feel better.
I had recently made another loaf of mulitgrain bread, so I decided it was time to get creative with toast. Toast is probably my favorite way to enjoy multigrain bread. I think it’s because toasting brings out deep, nutty flavors of the seeds and wheat. And what’s not better than avocado on top of toast?
A fresh surprise in this recipe is mint and lime. They add a hint of freshness and a nice balance to the richness of the avocado.
As a vehicle for just about anything you want to put on it, toast makes a delicious snack, appetizer, quick breakfast, or lunch. Quick to pull together, coming in at 25 minutes, even this recipe makes a hearty breakfast.
Please be sure to head over to Claire’s tribute page. I know so many of you are pet parents to fur babies and will find her story beautiful and inspiring.
Thank you again for your support and care.
Avocado with Roasted Asparagus on Multigrain Toast
Ingredients
- 6 Stems of Fresh Asparagus 168g
- 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 10g
- 1/4 tsp Sea Salt divided
- A few grinds of Ground Pepper
- 1 Avocado 228g
- 1/2 in Lime cut 1/2 (50g)
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Salt
- 4 Leaves Fresh Mint chiffonade, then chopped fine
- 1/2 a handful of Sprouts any variety (I used alfalfa)
- 2 Slices of Multigrain Bread or Gluten Free Bread
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 400F (204C). Trim the ends of the asparagus. Drizzle asparagus with olive oil and spread it around so that it covers the asparagus throughly. Sprinkle with 1/8 tsp salt and a few grinds of pepper. Roast for 15 minutes, rolling the asparagus over at least once during roasting.
-
Meanwhile, mash the avocado. Add 1/2 the juice of lime, remaining salt, and garlic. Mix well. Taste for seasoning adjustment.
-
Toast the bread.
-
Spread the avocado mixture over the toast, then add the asparagus, squeeze of lime, sprinkle the mint over the top, then add the sprouts.
-
If desired, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the assembled toast.
-
Serve immediately, while the asparagus is warm.
Thank you for reading! If you make this recipe, or any others on Vanilla And Bean, be sure to post it to Facebook or Instagram, notify me @vanillaandbean and tag #vanillaandbean! I’d love to see what you’ve made! Also, if you like my content, please consider sharing it with three friends and/or family and follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and/or Twitter. Thank you!
I’m so sorry for your loss. This toast looks lovely and healthy, just what you need :)
Thank you, Medha. Indeed!
An empty house is always horrible…but I’m wishing you the best, keep strong and positive!
And of course beautiful recipe and pictures again. I can’t decide whether it’s better as breakfast, lunch or dinner. I could eat this toast any time of the day.
Thank you, Evi. I think you can have this toast any ol’ time! <3
So sorry about your sweet girl. They really are members of the family, and it’s heartening to know that she will always be remembered with love and affection.
On a lighter note: I love roasted asparagus and I love avocado on toast I would never have thought to combine them! Boom! Here you come brightening up my favourite weekend lunch! Can’t wait for lunch this weekend :)
Thank you, Amy. I hope you enjoy the recipe! Putting the two together is lovely and the flavors, surprisingly, complement. :D
Stunning recipe, Traci! Avocado toast is probably my favourite go-to breakfast or light lunch! :D So sorry to hear about your loss – losing a pet is heartbreaking. I can relate to you – I hope you feel back to your best soon, lovely. :D
Thank you Jess, for your kind words. Better yes, but it’s slow. My motivation is not quite back… but I know it will come.
Not that it lessens your sadness, but we too lost a darling kitty soul just last week. But Claire and Evie have probably met at The Rainbow Bridge.
Best wishes for, well, everything ….
Oh Lizzie, I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet Evie. It’s so hard. May beautiful memories bring you peace.
Avocado toast is one of my favorite quick breakfast bites. What an awesome idea to add asparagus!
Oh I know! It’s sooo good and the asparagus is an extra bonus for gettin those greens in!
Aww, Traci! I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. It’s so awful losing a pet, it really hits you at home and is so much tougher than people realize. My dog passed away 4 years ago, and it still sting a to talk about too much! I can totally relate… Time will help, I hope you feel better soon and are able to smile more than cry when you think of her.
As always, this recipe looks divine, girl! Sending hugs your way!!
Thank you for your warmth and kindness, Alison. I’m so sorry you lost your sweet one… it’s so hard with pets because the reality is that they will probably pass before we do.. and we will miss them terribly. xx
Toast is my weakness…I love the combination of these beautiful springtime flavors, Traci!
Yeah, me tooo, Annie! Weak in the knees, weak!
What an awesome idea for a healthy and delicious snack, and possibly even breakfast! :)
Yes, yes… I say yes on Breakfast with this toast! Eat those greens!
So sorry for your loss Traci. Losing a pet is devastating. Hugs to you my friend. Loving this toast!
Thank you, Natalie. <3
Bread is where my heart lies, especially toast and you managed to make it even more amazing! Gorgeous and pinned my dear.
Thank you Jocelyn! Toast, yesssss! Thank you for your pin! :D
I am a huge fan of toast too, Traci! I love your idea to pair avocado with asparagus. Lime for some peppiness, sprouts for some crunch…perfect! And although I already commented on Claire’s post (which I loved), I just wanted to say again that I’m keeping you in my thoughts. xo!
What is it with toast? It’s like peanut butter… a classic! Thank you, Julia for your sweetness and warm thoughts.
Traci, I’m so sorry to hear about Claire. Your tribute page to her is lovely. It’s amazing the love and affection that a pet can bring to a household. Wishing you and Rob the best in a tough time. XO
Thank you, Geraldine. Your love and kindness means so much.
Oh Traci. The tribute page is beautiful. What a wonderful way to remember Claire and to let everyone else experience a little bit of her special-ness. I’ve been thinking of you these past few days. Wish I could give you a real, in person hug. XO
Thank you, my friend, for your warm embrace and sweetness. It means so much, Liz. xo
Beautiful! I love a good piece of toast, and this looks fantastic.
Thank you, Andrea! <3